LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports clubs and organisations: Practical tips from Manchester Laces

By GM Moving | 24 June 2025 | TAGS: Inclusion, commitment to inclusion, LGBTQ+, football

Movement and sport are for everyone. For GM Moving, that means supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion across Greater Manchester. This Pride month, we’re highlighting the incredible work of Manchester Laces, a club that’s showing how football can be truly welcoming and inclusive. We had a chat with the team to see what they do, how they are using inclusive design in sport, and their advice for other clubs.  

Who are Manchester Laces?

Manchester Laces is a grassroots football club created for women and non-binary people who want to play in a space where they feel safe, welcome and accepted. 

“We’re not just a football club,” Laces say. “We’re a community that puts people first, where every person is valued for who they are, both on and off the pitch.” 

The club’s main goals are access, equity, and empowerment. They believe football should be for everyone. This means breaking down the barriers that stop people from getting involved. Whether that’s money, social pressures, or identity, they’re working to make football more inclusive for all. 

Laces offer beginner sessions, club football, friendly matches, and their own inclusive league. Beyond the pitch, they support new leaders, run workshops, and collaborate with other groups to drive change. 

“We want to change what football looks and feels like by building systems and opportunities that reflect the diversity and potential of everyone who loves the game.” 

What does Pride mean to Laces? 

For Laces, Pride is more than just a month. It’s a core value they live by all year. 

“For our members, many of whom are LGBTQ+, Pride is about visibility, safety, and celebration. It’s about being part of something where your identity isn’t just accepted; it’s affirmed, uplifted, and championed”, Laces say. 

The club is proud to create a space where people can turn up exactly as they are. 

“Football has historically excluded so many of us. We’re building something different: a culture of joy, respect, belonging, and resistance.” 

And why is Pride important? 

“Because safety isn’t something people have to earn. It's a baseline.” 

What they’re most proud of 

There have been lots of proud moments, but what means the most is seeing people grow. 

“Whether it’s someone who was too anxious to step on the pitch a year ago and now captains a squad, or a trans player telling us this is the first space where they’ve felt truly safe, those moments are everything.” 

They’ve also turned challenges into action. When one player faced discrimination, they created an education project to help clubs and leagues push for wider change. 

Their key lesson? Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, infrastructure, and accountability. That means respecting pronouns, making payments flexible, offering the right kit, having diverse leaders, and creating space for feedback. 

“Inclusion isn’t a one-off goal, it’s an ongoing practice.” 

Practical tips for clubs and organisations 

Want your club to be more inclusive? Laces have some advice: 

“Start with listening. Don’t assume you know what people need. Speak to your members, or if you don’t have any LGBTQ+ members, consider why not.” 

They also say: 

• Representation matters — but actions and policies do too 

• Have a clear code of conduct 

• Don’t wait for discrimination to happen — take action to prevent it 

• Make your values visible all year round, not just in June 

• Ask for help — other clubs are doing the work and happy to share 

Laces say, “There’s space for everyone in this movement. Collaboration is key.” 

The power of sport, beyond Pride month 

“Manchester Laces exists because we believe football should feel like home — not just for some, but for everyone.” 

They’re proud to be part of a growing network of inclusive clubs across the country. 

“Pride is part of our DNA, and we’ll keep showing up with love, strength, and community — not just during June, but always.” 

The difference that inclusive design makes 

Sometimes the best way to understand what a club means is to hear directly from the players involved: 

“I’m non-binary myself, and it was really difficult at first to find somewhere to play. But once I found Manchester Laces, I stayed. Everyone took me in as their own. I’ll only leave Laces if I leave England!” - J 

“The community here is amazing, everyone’s really friendly and always up for a laugh. I joined three years ago and was immediately met by welcoming faces.” - H 

“I’d never played football before and only joined in August. I’m learning and having fun at the same time. The team is great, I’ve met so many brilliant people, and my social life has grown too. I feel like I belong here; Laces are my people.” - E 

“Inclusivity is at the heart of our club. Like much of women’s football, it doesn’t come without its barriers — I’ve personally faced homophobic and transphobic abuse just by being on the pitch. That’s why we created a guide to support our members in those situations. It’s a great club!” - S 

“From my first friendly in March to captaining teams, coaching, and marching in the Pride Parade — Manchester Laces has completely changed my year. I’ve found purpose, community, and memories I never want to stop making. Policies might mean I have to pause for now but I know I’ll always have a place at Laces.” - L 

Want to learn more about Manchester Laces or support inclusive sport in Greater Manchester? Visit Laces’ social media. 
 
Explore the reality and latest statistics around LGBTQ+ inclusion in physical activity, and discover how GM Moving is working beyond Pride Month to support active lives for all. Read our full article on LGBTQ+ participation in sport and movement.